Speech Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare and education, the focus on speech therapists is more crucial than ever.

Society progresses, and with each stride, the demand for skilled individuals who can assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and communication disorders grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a speech therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of speech therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a versatile speech therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Speech Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Speech Therapists, also known as Speech-Language Pathologists, work with individuals across various age groups to diagnose, treat and help to prevent oral motor, swallowing, cognitive-linguistic, speech, and language disorders.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Evaluating the speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills of patients to identify areas of concern and the best treatment options
• Developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs
• Conducting therapy sessions to help patients develop or recover reliable communication skills and manage swallowing disorders
• Teaching patients how to make sounds and improve their voices and fluency
• Working with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
• Counseling patients and their families on how to cope with stress and uncertainty of speech and language disorders
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to plan and perform treatments
• Documenting and maintaining patient records, including therapy progress, for diagnosis and treatment evaluation
• Keeping up to date with the latest research, methods, and technologies in speech therapy

 

Speech Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Speech Therapist to diagnose and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders in patients.

Speech Therapist responsibilities include conducting evaluations to assess speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills.

You will be responsible for developing individualized treatment plans, providing therapy and counseling to patients, and guiding caregivers on how to manage speech disorders.

Our ideal candidates are passionate about helping individuals improve their communication abilities, have excellent interpersonal skills, and have experience working with various ages and populations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations and assessments to diagnose disorders
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide therapy to patients to improve speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing abilities
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Educate caregivers on how to manage speech disorders
• Write and maintain accurate case reports and treatment notes
• Refer patients to additional medical or educational services when necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Speech Therapist
• Knowledge of various treatment techniques and interventions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain accurate case reports and treatment notes
• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Valid state license to practice speech-language pathology
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Continuing education assistance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Speech Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, schools, or home health visits may be required depending on patient’s needs. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Therapeutic Services or Clinic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Speech Therapist Do?

Speech Therapists, also known as Speech-Language Pathologists, work with patients across different age groups to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders.

These disorders can result from various conditions such as stroke, brain injury, developmental delay, a cleft palate, or hearing loss.

Speech Therapists create individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs.

These plans may involve various therapies to improve language abilities, articulation skills, voice tone, and fluency.

For patients with swallowing difficulties, they provide strategies to make eating safe and pleasurable.

They work closely with doctors, educators, psychologists, and other therapy professionals to provide a holistic approach to patient care.

They also guide and counsel patients and their families on how to cope with the stress and practicalities of dealing with speech and language disorders.

Speech Therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and in some cases, patients’ homes.

They often conduct research to develop new techniques and interventions for better speech therapy outcomes.

In addition to direct patient care, they may also be involved in the training and supervision of speech therapy students and other healthcare professionals.

 

Speech Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Speech Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the nature of the job role, including:

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field.
• State License in Speech Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology.
• Proficiency in various speech therapy techniques and interventions that cater to the needs of different age groups, from children to the elderly.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex medical terms and therapy techniques to patients and their families.
• Exceptional listening skills to accurately understand patients’ concerns and needs.
• Compassion and patience to work with individuals who have severe communication difficulties.
• Problem-solving abilities to identify the best therapeutic approach for each patient.
• Strong observational skills to assess patients’ progress and adapt treatment plans accordingly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients and their families.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care to patients.

 

Speech Therapist Experience Requirements

Entry-level speech therapists are typically fresh graduates from a Master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Many of these programs involve a significant amount of practical experience in the form of internships, practicums, or supervised clinical experiences, providing them with the basic experience required for entry-level positions.

In addition to their degree, they are also required to complete a postgraduate clinical fellowship, which provides further hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed and experienced speech therapist.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are considered more experienced speech therapists.

They typically have a wide range of experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in different settings such as schools, hospitals, or private practices.

Speech therapists with more than 5 years of experience are considered highly experienced.

They may have specialized in a particular area of speech therapy, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, or they may have gained experience in more administrative roles, such as program coordination or team leadership.

These therapists may also have experience in research or teaching, contributing to the field’s growth and development.

Additionally, speech therapists must be licensed to practice in their state, which involves passing a national examination.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as therapists must stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment methods.

 

Speech Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Speech Therapists, also known as Speech-Language Pathologists, typically need a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

The program should be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

These courses typically cover anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and the treatment of speech disorders, language disorders, and swallowing disorders.

Furthermore, courses in psychology, linguistics, and social and behavioral sciences can also be beneficial.

Upon completion of their degree, Speech Therapists are required to complete a clinical fellowship, which is a period of supervised professional practice.

This fellowship usually lasts about nine months.

All states require Speech Therapists to be licensed, which generally requires a master’s degree and completion of the clinical fellowship.

Additionally, some states may require a passing score on the Praxis Series Speech-Language Pathology test.

Speech Therapists can also earn certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) which may increase their employment opportunities.

This certification requires a master’s degree, a passing score on a national examination in speech-language pathology and completion of the clinical fellowship.

Continuing education is important in this field as it keeps therapists updated on the latest treatment methods and research findings.

Therefore, many therapists opt for advanced courses, workshops, and seminars for their professional development.

 

Speech Therapist Salary Expectations

A Speech Therapist can expect to earn an average of $79,120 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, specialization within the field, geographical location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in.

 

Speech Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Speech Therapist need?

A Speech Therapist should possess strong communication and listening skills to understand their clients’ issues and explain treatment plans.

They need to have patience, as progress can be slow, and empathy to understand clients’ feelings and struggles.

Problem-solving skills to adapt treatments to specific client needs and observational skills to detect subtle changes in speech, voice, and swallowing are essential.

 

Do Speech Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Speech Therapists typically require a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Additionally, they must be licensed in the state where they practice, which often includes a clinical fellowship and passing a national examination.

In some cases, a Speech Therapist may choose to pursue a doctoral degree for more specialized knowledge or leadership roles.

 

What should you look for in a Speech Therapist resume?

First, ensure they have the necessary education and licensure.

A strong Speech Therapist resume will include specific experience working with the demographic you serve, whether that’s children, adults, or a specific disorder like stuttering or aphasia.

Look for evidence of continuing education, as the field of Speech Therapy is always evolving.

 

What qualities make a good Speech Therapist?

A good Speech Therapist is patient and compassionate, as therapy can be a slow process that requires building trust with clients.

They are creative and adaptable, able to adjust their treatment strategies to suit each client’s individual needs.

They are also lifelong learners who stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment techniques in the field.

 

Is it challenging to find qualified Speech Therapists?

Yes, recruiting qualified Speech Therapists can be a challenge due to the specific educational and licensure requirements.

Additionally, Speech Therapists often specialize in particular areas, so finding a therapist with the right expertise for your clientele can add to the challenge.

However, offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing opportunities for ongoing professional development, and creating a supportive work environment can help attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the scoop.

Today, we’ve gone behind the scenes on what it truly means to be a speech therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about correcting speech problems.

It’s about facilitating effective communication, one word at a time.

With our go-to speech therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But don’t stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word you help shape is a part of a bigger conversation.

Let’s make that conversation happen. Together.

Reasons to Become a Speech Therapist (Unleash the Power of Words)

How to Become a Speech Therapist (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Speech Therapist (Whispering Woes)

Lavish Livelihoods: The High-Paying Jobs You Can’t Afford to Ignore!

Workday Wonders: Jobs That Are a Joy from Start to Finish

The Gold Standard of Jobs: Most Prestigious Careers to Aim For

When Work is a Wild Ride: Exploring Extreme Professional Paths